Improvement in the mode of manufacturing fair leather



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

JOHN L. TURNER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE MODE OF MANUFACTURING FAIR LEATHER.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 1,688, dated .Inly 15, 1840.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JOHN L. TURNER, of the city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, haveinvented or discovered an Improvement in the Process for Manufacturing that kind of Leather which is technically denominated Fair Leather, and which is used by saddlers, coach-makers, book-binders, and others for various purposes in the useful arts; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description of my said improved process.

For the purpose of giving to fair leather that light appearance and that particular color which is required in its various applications, I take it in that part of the process of manufacturing it subsequent to its having been thoroughly scoured, set out, and stuffed prepara- 'tory to the process of drying, and in this state I take sulphuric ether, anti with a brush or other suitable article I wash or spread over this fluid on the face of theleather which is to be whitened. Before performing this operation I prepare a mixture of tallow and spirits of turpentine, incorporated in such proportion as to have the consistence of thick oil, and with this I immediately, in like manner, pay over or cover the surface of the leather, which is then ready to be dried in the usual manner.

By the action of the sulphuric ether the requisite whiteness or fair appearance is given to the leather; but ifit is dried after the application of the ether, without that of the.tallow and spirits of turpentine, or of some analogous softening material, there will be a degree of harshness and want of pliability produced upon the surface which are objectionable, and which by the means prescribed is entirely removed;

Having thus fully described the nature of my improvement in the process of manufacturing what is known under the denomination of t'air leather, and shown the manner in which I carry the same into effect, what I claim therein as constituting my invention or discovery The employment of sulphuric ether to produce the required light or fair appearance in such leather, in the manner and under the conditions substantially as herein set forth.

It is highly probable that some other of the ethereal fluids-such, for example, as nitric or muriatic ether-would produce an effect 'similar to that produced by sulphuric ether; but as the latter is perfectly effectual in its operation and can be most economically obtained, I have not thought it necessary to essay the other kinds; but I do hereby declare that I do not intend to limit my claim to the useof sulphuric ether alone, but that I embrace therein and intend to use anyot' the fluids properly denominated ether.

In testimony of which I have hereunto set my name, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, this 10th day of June, 1840.

JOHN L. TURNER.

Witnesses:

ARMON DAVIS, THOS. HU'rcHINsoN. 

